Hi

I've only been here a few weeks. I don't speak any German, in any case it is Swiss German which not all Germans understand, but I haven't had any real problems with language. Having said that if I was staying for longer than 2 months I would definitely be making the effort to learn the language.

Rent, look at the following link to get some ideas, if you look at the top right you can select language, although not all of the advert is in English. Not sure how things are advertised where you are now, but one room here means bedroom and sitting area are all in the same room. 2 rooms would be seperate bedroom and sittting room.

www.homegate.ch

As you would expect, area dictates the rent. If you can get your employer to help you with accommodation for the first month or so then this will give you time to find what you want at leisure. Finding accommodation that is immediately available and that is somewhere you'd want to rent is not that easy. Having said that some apartments employers provide are small, but might be better as a temporary solution.

Yes there is plenty of night life here! You can even get the latest films at the cinema in English!

If you have any mortgage commitments overseas you may be able to get tax relief on that in your salary in Switzerland.

Food is quite expensive, most people seem to drive over the border to Germany for major grocery shopping. BTW a night out on the town can also be quite expensive if you are drinking, for instance 1 round of 4 alcoholic drinks (shots and mixers, not beers) costs around 60CHF.

Public transport is excellent and cheap.

Salary wise couldn't add value because of my UK commitments.

Best of luck, I certainly don't regret trying this out.

Lisa